Ameobi close to Ipswich deal

Jim Magilton has confirmed that Ipswich are on the verge of signing striker Shola Ameobi after agreeing a fee with Newcastle.

The Town boss has made a move for the 26-year-old former England Under-21 international hitman, who has fallen down the pecking order under Sam Allardyce and then current boss Kevin Keegan at St James' Park following several injury-hit campaigns.

Ipswich will pay the Magpies around £2.5million for Ameobi, but Magilton feels it will be money well spent for the player, who has fired 46 goals in eight years at the North-East outfit.

Magilton said: "We have agreed a fee with Newcastle for Shola, and he spent yesterday at the club having a medical.

"We've had a good chat and things are moving on. He'll be with us again today, and hopefully we can get it all tied up."